Family sobs as coroner delivers finding in Matthew Leveson death

Faye Leveson and Mark Leveson at a press conference at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Right: The Levesons release balloons at the crime scene. Pictures: Kate Geraghty

NSW police at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed at the possible burial place of his son Matthew Leveson in the Royal National Park at Waterfall, NSW. 1st June, 2017. Picture: Kate Geraghty

Faye Leveson is comforted by a close family friend at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

NSW police at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed at the possible burial place of his son Matthew Leveson in the Royal National Park at Waterfall, NSW. 1st June, 2017. Picture: Kate Geraghty

Mark Leveson and his wife Faye Leveson with friends release balloons at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

NSW police at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed at the possible burial place of his son Matthew Leveson in the Royal National Park at Waterfall, NSW. 1st June, 2017. Picture: Kate Geraghty

Faye Leveson and Mark Leveson at a press conference at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

NSW police at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

NSW police at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

Mark Leveson and Faye Leveson release balloons with friends at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

A forensic specialist embraces Faye Leveson at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

NSW police at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

The Leveson famiy and friends at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

NSW police at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

Faye Leveson holds a photo of her son Matthew Leveson during a press conference at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

Faye and Mark Leveson during a press conference at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

NSW forensic services officers sift through soil at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

NSW forensic services officers sift through soil at the crime scene where human remains have been unearthed. Picture: Kate Geraghty

NSW Police and forensic services discover the suspected remains of Matthew Leveson in the Royal National Park. Picture: Wolter Peeters

The family asked if Matt died of a drug overdose, but Mr Atkins said his boyfriend had been "careful" with his doses.

The conversation was so distressing for Faye Leveson that she had to vomit in Mr Atkins' bathroom.

Ms Truscott said the conversation was significant, because it was a "direct contradiction" to Mr Atkins' later claims of an overdose.

"It is shocking that the Levesons had to endure that experience," Ms Truscott said.

"I do not accept Mr Atkins as a witness of truth.

"The lies he has told do not allow me to make a finding that any act performed by him caused Matt's death."

Supporters and family of Mr Leveson began to sob when the open finding was delivered.

Speaking on the steps of Glebe Coroner's Court, flanked by police investigators, the family wore purple ribbons and wiped away tears.

Mark Leveson said justice had been done "in a small way," and he believed the Coroner had gone as far as she legally could.

"She named Michael Atkins over and over and over again," he said. "His lies, his deception.

"Because of his deception and cover-up for so long, Matt's been in the ground for so many years now, when he was finally found there wasn't much there to test."

Faye Leveson said the family had been forced to choose between justice and finding their son's body, after Mr Atkins was granted immunity for the evidence he gave at the inquest, and immunity for perjury charges in return for leading police to Mr Leveson's remains in the Royal National Park.

"Sadly, we were forced into this corner," Mrs Leveson said. "And Matty comes out first every time."

Mr Atkins was acquitted of the murder and manslaughter of Matthew Leveson in 2009.